HEAT PUMPS VS gas FURNACES

Heat pumps can both heat and cool a home and be as energy-efficient as furnaces... as long as weather conditions do not drop near freezing temperatures…

Heat pumps are in their essence air conditioners that can both cool and heat homes. They can extract heat from inside the home (in order to cool it) or from the ground or outside air (even in cold conditions) to heat the home…

Gas and Electric Furnaces vs. Heat Pumps

When comparing furnaces with heat pumps we are almost always considering the cheapest and commonest type of heat pump: central air source heat pumps.

But there are also other types of heat pumps that can be considered in such comparisons: ground-source heat pumps and ductless heat pumps.

Ground source Heat pumps vs. Furnaces

Ground source heat pumps demand pre-requirements in terms of land availability and also a larger investment (the double, at least) than common source-heat pumps, but are a good alternative to furnaces for larger uses.

These heat pumps are energy-efficient in almost all climates, including most freezing ones, and are the most efficient. The problem in most cases is their price. See: Heat Pumps Costs, Prices and Paybacks

Ductless heat pumps vs. furnaces

As to ductless heat pumps, they are excellent for zone heating and cooling strategies (heating or cooling selectively some rooms or parts of the house); and also for homes without ductwork. Consider them in your furnace vs. heat pump alternative if you are considering zone heating and cooling.

Possible advantages of heat pumps over furnaces

A big advantage of heat pumps over furnaces is that they aren’t only heating units like furnaces. They can both heat and cool... With a heat pump you don’t have to buy, maintain and install separate heating and cooling systems - something that can make heat pumps a versatile and cheaper choice.

Electric Heat pumps vs. Furnaces

Heat pumps are electric powered units, with a huge advantage over other electric heating equipment. Their power consumption is a fraction of other electric units. And that makes them extremely more energy efficient - and a better choice - than electric furnaces.

The big question when comparing heat pumps and furnaces isn't between electric furnaces and heat pumps but between energy-efficient gas furnaces and energy-efficient heat pumps...

Seasonal weather

Seasonal weather conditions are crucial when assessing the alternative gas furnaces vs. heat pumps. If the seasonal weather in your region rarely dips below 40º F (close to 0ºC) heat pumps are a more affordable way to heat your home than a furnace.

However, if temperatures in your region are often below 40º F, furnaces can be a better option, since air-source heat pumps lose their efficiency at such temperatures. A backup heat source is then necessary... Only more expensive heat pumps (air-source heat pumps with supplemental heating or ground heat pumps) overcome such limitation.

Price

Gas furnaces and air source heat pumps prices are very similar for the same efficiency and capacity. Hybrid heat pumps (with supplemental heating) are typically pricey than equivalent energy-efficient furnaces.

As to ground source heat pumps (an alternative to central furnaces in colder climates), they demand a much higher investment... See: Ground and Water Source Heat Pumps.

Which is the best choice: heat pumps or furnaces?

What to conclude, then? All depends on several factors and mainly on weather patterns, your consumption and on power and gas prices (and on the type of furnace or heat pump).

In moderate and hot climates heat pumps are usually a more affordable and energy-efficient solution than furnaces.

In very cold climates, unless you consider a backup system, or ground source heat pumps, or mix strategies involving other types of heating, new energy efficient gas furnaces can be a better choice than heat pumps.